Each month, my essay is inspired by what questions or situations have most frequently arisen among clients. This month, there were an unusual number of concerns voiced about certain plateaus or unusual emotions during the journey of awakening. Surprisingly, there are many experiences that occur in common among those who are eagerly removing masks and layers, and returning to the soulful knowledge with which they were born.

Let’s take a look at some of the “side effects” of enlightenment. When you are aware of the normalcy of these instances, it will be easier to go with the flow during them and resist fretting. You are not alone in some of the off-beat happenings that may occur.

1. Crying for “no reason”

An interesting by-product of becoming more aware, and more self-aware, is the urge to cry while nothing is bothering or upsetting you. When you surrender to the feeling, the cry feels different from a cry for joy or a cry from pain. It feels strangely hopeful and optimistic. It feels as though something wonderful is coming. It can also feel cathartic, but not in the sense of disseminating stress, more like a fruitful letting go of things that no longer serve you.

My understanding of this happening is that while your consciousness and your spirit are eternal, your body is born of the earth and dies of the earth. Because of the fleeting nature of us being within these bodies, each time we “expand” by bringing more spirit into our lives, the body responds by making room for the addition. This specific type of crying is one way the body makes room.

2. The feeling that all your growth has disappeared. You feel like you went back to the beginning.

It’s easy to envision the path of enlightenment as the ascension up a mountain … a slow and steady climb from bottom to top. The true path, however, is nothing like a steady climb. It’s a jagged up and down journey, with steps upward, steps backward, and plateaus along the way. The good news is that the simplest intention of upward movement provides aggregate upward movement. What this means is that as long as you intend to become more aware and put energy to discovering new perspectives, you will, overall, ascend. Regardless of times of stagnation or slips backward, the journey will continue to progress over time.

When the feeling of stagnation or disappointment in your level of growth hits, take pause. It’s okay to lay low and expect nothing new for a little while. Give yourself permission to take some time off, rest, and just allow yourself to be. Temporarily, don’t set any new goals for your awakening.

If you put too much focus on the “off moments”, you create a resistance that may actually grow the challenge. What you focus on will expand; thus focusing negatively on the negative way you feel can heighten the experience and cause the stagnancy to perpetuate longer.

3. You feel like you’re “hearing voices.”

It amazes me how often clients “hear voices.” Not the bellowing voices we see depicted in movies, but a seemingly gentle voice that clearly states a message. The message is loving or helpful; but regardless of its tenderness, the process of “hearing” may, at first, be unsettling. Two reactions may separate you from its benefits. The first is fear and the second is doubt. Allow yourself to accept that it’s fairly common to “get messages” in this way and allow yourself to feel proud of this milestone. While people are seeking enlightenment, and a stronger, visceral connection with their higher selves and guides, this sense of “hearing” is a milestone to be celebrated, not feared or doubted.

Remember also that I indicated the messages are loving and tender. Letting more lovingness or tenderness into your life from any source will ultimately strengthen your level of awareness, your vibrational energy, and your happiness.

4. A sense that your efforts are not paying off.

For all the work you’ve done, you feel impatient that you’re not happier, richer, healthier, or further along. This feeling is so common as to likely be universal. Since off earth, time does not exist, the universe does not work on a time calendar the way we do. The universe uses energy to shift circumstances and the shifting of energy is not at all connected to chronological time in the way we understand it. Another phenomenon is that time is interminable when we are waiting for something or anticipating something we want. After the happening has occurred, hindsight will often make us realize that it unfolded far more quickly that it seemed while enduring the wait.

Let go of your attachment to how speedy the results of your efforts will be realized. Let the universe do its job as your partner, and you continue to do your part as co-creator. Be aware that energy shifts most readily in the path of least resistance, so let it flow by not adding anxious energy to the changes. Further, by understanding that “letting go of attachments to specific outcomes” is a worthy GOAL of enlightenment, you can appreciate that the pace of the changes is enhancing your ability to grow in this resolve as well.

The “wait” is also a great time to grow your ability to sense the encouragement signs from the universe, prodding you to stay the course, and acting as a cheerleader for your success. Spend time you may fret about the wait on seeking the signs that you’re on the right track instead.

These examples of common happenings on the path of enlightenment are meant to help you understand some of the experiences you may encounter. There are far more happenings along the path as well, so please increase your knowledge by attending my seminars, reading my books, or taking a moment for yourself for some one-on-one coaching.

Shine on!​

If you would like guidance to help you discover your harmonious path, contact Karen for personal or professional coaching. Intuitive coaching allows you to discover shortcuts from where you are to where you want to be by attuning to information that can eliminate barriers and enhance success openings. An investment in your happiness today pays for itself through prosperity, love, and peacefulness.

“Karen, you are like a lighthouse standing tall amongst your surroundings and casting a brilliant beacon of white light onto our world. I am grateful that your beam casts its way to me. Thank you for who you are and what you do.” - Ric Statler, Huntington, NY